The analysis-synthesis bridge model describes a four-step design process. It begins with 1. directly observing a current situation, 2. reflecting on observations of the current situation to create a model representing essential elements, 3. reflecting on the model of the current situation to create a second model representing essential elements of an improved situation, and 4. instantiating the second model in a physical form or prototype. The process described by the analysis-synthesis bridge abstracts essential characteristics of both current and improved situations as a “scaffold” for moving from researching to making in the design process; using models as a bridge may be especially useful in complex areas of practice, such as software design, service design, and systems design, where the path from researching to making may often be unclear.